Clara Bantos lives in Paris,
France; she is the 4th year university student of literature, publishing and
communication

I used to watch videos every day and started to think about creating my own channel. I
wanted to talk about my love for words and share it with this so-called book
community. However, I was way too insecure and self-conscious to show my face
on the Internet and to talk in front of the camera. I tried but I was ashamed
of the result so much that I had to delete all of the footage. Plus, I wanted
to talk in English but was afraid of what people would say about my accent
since I'm French. So I decided to change my plans and I started my bookstagram
account. No need to show my face or to make a fool of myself because of my
accent! I could post daily AND I could improve my photography skills as I love
taking photos! It was a perfect combination. Boom, a few days later I created
my account and my bookstagram journey has begun.

What does it look like "behind the cover"?

I do not have a
particular feeling of being "behind the cover". It is, however, a little bit odd
to see strangers starting to follow you and telling you that they love your
work. It feels weird, but mostly good, especially for someone who struggles
with self-confidence.

When I take pictures,
I have to be fast. My feed is based on the Parisian architecture so I do not
take pictures in my house anymore. As I get all of my photos outside, I need to
be quick because people usually stare at me (although I learned not to care
anymore). I simply had to learn to get a good photo on the first try as I had
no other choice. (laugh)

Regarding the editing
of my photos, I do not do that much, even though I could. I know that some
people take A LOOOOT of time to edit their pictures; they have all those fancy
programs on their computers and I wish I was that professional. I take all of
my photos on my phone and edit them on the free app VSCOcam. A simple free filter,
some adjustments and the picture is ready. I try not to edit too much,
mostly because the natural light and the beautiful architecture of my city do
all the work. But, you know, I am a control freak and I love to have a
clean feed with pictures which look great together, and so I have to play with
filters anyway.

I try not to edit too much, mostly because the natural
light and the beautiful architecture of my city do all the work.

Can you predict which photo will get more likes than
another? Or is it rather random?

Usually, I can. I
know that a photo in which I am posing will somehow get more likes than the one
with a book on a table. More original and "brave" your picture is, more likes
it gets! However, I often get surprised! It happens that I think a particular
photo is not good enough and still gets A LOT of likes.

Is there some secret for getting likes?

There are two ways to
get more likes: the hashtag/repost technique, and the community technique. Let me
explain!

I use hashtags, but
not that many, and I just paste the same one to every photo I post. They are
important and you definitely want to use hashtags on your post. Another great
way how to get likes is to use the hashtags of accounts which repost bookish
pictures. That way, your photo can be selected and will be posted on a HUGE
account, which will give you a bigger audience and more likes.

More original and "brave" your picture is, more likes it gets!

About the second
technique. First of all, I strongly think that you picture must be original, as
I said earlier. If you take a picture of the first page of a book, it's okay -
but everyone does it and you will not get a lot of likes. People want something
new every day! Second of all, be nice. I know, you must be like "what is this
doing with likes?" but it is important. If you are nice to your followers, if
you are an active member of the bookstagram community, if you show everyone
that your account is a safe place, a place where they are loved no matter what
and where someone cares for them, people will follow you, and then always like
your pictures.

Do you own all the books posted on your Instagram?

I own every book
figured on my account! Hate me if you want, but I have never really gone to the
library to borrow a book.

What is your favourite book and why?

WHAT A HORRIBLE
QUESTION! Well, my favourite genre is fantasy, although I have no idea why. I like the complex worlds which allow me to
escape from the everyday reality. That's why all my favourite series are
fantasy: Throne of Glass by Sarah J.
Maas, The Infernal Devices by
Cassandra Clare, Six of Crows by
Leigh Bardugo.

On the other hand, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by
Stephen Chbosky taught me a lot and helped me to become who I am. That's why I
may call it my favourite book.

How many books do you read per month/year?

Last year, I read 85
books and my goal for this year is to read 90. (Here's a secret: I am aming to
read 100 books!)

What is on your reading list? Any good tips for the
upcoming spring?

For now, I want to
finish the Heroes of Olympus series
and the Raven Cycle series too! After
that, I'll probably start Shatter Me, A
Darker Shade of Magic, History Is All You Left Me...

Some tips? Have fun while reading! Read whatever you
want, whenever you want!